ATM and credit cards

A safe and easy way to access your funds is your normal ATM card. The Cirrus and Plus systems are most everywhere and can be used for withdrawing cash with few issues. Just be sure to check with your bank to find out about these reciprocal arrangements - the system is highly sophisticated and can usually give instructions in a variety of languages. In emergencies, you should be able to get a cash advance from your Visa or MasterCard - be sure you know your PIN before you leave.

To cancel lost or stolen credit cards, call the following numbers:

American Express tel 915 720 303

Diners Club tel 915 474 000

Mastercard tel 900 971 231

Visa tel 900 974 445

Leading credit cards are recognized, too, and are useful for car rental, hotels and restaurants, as well as for cash advances at banks. American Express and Visa, which has an arrangement with the Banco de Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA), are the most useful; Mastercard is slightly less widely accepted.

Money and the exchange rate

ATM cards and credit cards

Visa TravelMoney (www.visa.com)

Changing money

Wiring money

Youth and student discounts